At least three people died in southern Texas and one across the border in Mexico after as much as 20 inches of rain fell in parts of the Rio Grande Valley, stranding motorists and causing widespread destruction.

South Texas worked to dry out on Friday after severe thunderstorms a day earlier flooded streets, forced the closure of an airport and compelled dozens of water rescues as many drivers were forced to abandon their vehicles on roads and parking lots as some areas were inundated with more than a foot of rain.